5 Nature Activities For Kids in Dubai

Going on a trip to Dubai with your family can become a magical experience. But will your youngsters be interested in checking out flora, fauna, and other hidden ecosystems you wouldn’t expect to find in a desert city? With nearly two-thirds of teens and young adults aged 18 to 29 keen on protecting the environment, the answer might very well be a resounding “yes.”

This is because, based on research by YouGov, roughly 65% of 500 young people surveyed in the United Arab Emirates are more than willing to take part in efforts and events that could benefit the planet.

Not sure if your child is among those who are willing to enjoy Dubai eco-friendly-style? Here are five fun nature activities you could have them try when visiting Dubai:

1. Take a stroll underwater

Going on a stroll in the park is the simplest way to exercise outdoors. But did you know that in Dubai, you can take your teens for a stroll underwater while meeting sea creatures? The best part is, you can do this without getting wet.

How?

By visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Located at the heart of the Dubai Mall, this ten million-litre tank houses over 33,000 sea animals, including the world’s biggest collection of sand tiger sharks. Not only does it rise to the third level of the mall, but it is also bound to raise your youngsters’ curiosity and passion for sea creatures.

The Dubai Aquarium is a sanctuary for 140 different species of aquatic creatures and offers many different ways you can experience the world under the sea. From strolling through a 48-meter tunnel to getting a fish-eye view of the place, you and your teen will surely have an incredible time “swimming” with stingrays and tiger sharks without getting wet.

2. Discover the Lost City of Atlantis

Or, at least, what it would’ve looked like under the sea.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is an attraction in Dubai that will pique the interest of teens, especially those who love history, mythology, and sea animals. It is home to many enchanting sea creatures, including colourful fish and jellyfish, majestic stingrays, and even fearsome sharks.

But beyond the usual sights found in an aquarium, there you’ll find fascinating chambers that are designed to recreate what Atlantis might have looked like after the ocean engulfed it. It also houses an open-air marine habitat that is deemed the largest of its kind in the entire MENA region.

3. Get some exercise at the beach

One more thing that makes Dubai an excellent place to reconnect with nature is the beaches that thrive within its borders. Kite Beach, which is best known for kitesurfing, has become quite famous among families, children, and teens over the years.

Aside from being an excellent place for riding the waves, this tourist spot has roped in more people recently, thanks to the newly added child-friendly amenities that include outdoor trampolines, a play area, and the Skate Park.

Kite Beach also gained attention from fitness buffs because of the addition of an adventure gym. It is also a certified Fitness Village where you and your brood can get some much-needed exercise while breathing fresh, sea air at the beach.

The best part is, you won’t have to pay anything to get an excellent outdoor workout. Plus, you’ll get to spend quality time with your teenager, and discover that your age gap is only a number.

4. Camp in the desert overnight

While it may not seem like an appealing thought at first, camping out in the desert in Dubai is the ideal way of enjoying the dunes. Not only is it cooler at night, but you also get to enjoy camping under the beautiful and starry Dubai sky.

Of course, if your teen is all about the adventure, you can always try sandboarding, going on a desert safari trip, or camelback riding for that authentic Arab experience.

5. Explore an indoor rainforest

Dubai is surrounded by desert, but did you know that nestled within the heart of this modern sandy city is a thriving ecosystem of plants and animals that can only be found in rainforests?

Another attraction that could bring out your teen’s love for nature is an indoor tropical bio-dome situated at the Dubai City Walk. The Green Planet is a human-made enclosed ecosystem that offers the youth a chance to learn more about the magic and wonders of rainforests around the world.

Here, you’ll find exotic animals and plants that originally thrive in natural rainforests like the Amazon to help your teen learn about the fragile-yet-majestic ecosystems that thrive within this facility. The biodome houses more than 3,000 species of flora and fauna, including the world’s biggest life-sustaining human-made indoor tree. It also includes several levels that recreate real scenarios from natural rainforests, like the Flooded Rainforest floor and The Canopy.

Help the youth reconnect with nature

Today’s modern advancements have redirected the youth’s attention to gadgets and technologies, leaving very little room for the natural wonders of the world to catch their interest. Help your teen reconnect with nature by trying fun activities in Dubai listed in this article.

About the author

Rasha El Saleh is the Conservation Education and Outreach Coordinator in the education team of Emirates Nature-WWF working on its programme, Connect with Nature. She leads the outreach and youth empowerment aspect in growing the Connect with Nature community within the UAE and providing opportunities for youth to lead in this community, in addition to supporting partnerships with vendors supporting and promoting active aspects of the programme.

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Sources

• Emirates Nature WWF
• Connect With Nature
• Visit Dubai [1] & [2]
• Go City

Tags: Travel Guide, Kids Activities , Guest Post